MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ beats AMD Z2 Extreme and often MAX+ 395 handhelds in first reviews
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ review embargo lifts today, giving us the first independent look at Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme handheld platform. The system packs one config, which is Arc B390 graphics, 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory, a 1TB SSD and an 8-inch 1920×1200 120Hz VRR display.
MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ reviews:
- Notebookcheck -> ”Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme changes the handheld game”
- Windows Central -> “This is the gaming handheld we’ve been waiting for”
- The Verge -> ”I’m not giving up my Steam Deck for MSI’s new Claw”
- Cary Golomb -> ”The DEFINITIVE Review – MSI Claw 8 Ex Ai+”
- HotHardware -> ”Intel’s Arc G3 Chip Changes EVERYTHING — MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Tested”
Source: Windows Central/NotebookCheck
The reviews show the Claw 8 EX AI+ ahead of current Ryzen Z2 Extreme handhelds in GPU tests. According to Notebookcheck, Arc B390 performance is around 50% to 60% higher than Ryzen Z2 Extreme systems and the Lunar Lake-based Claw 8 AI+. The outlet also reports Cyberpunk 2077 running at 1200p with Ultra settings and 4x frame generation at around 90 FPS in the Endurance profile, with the SoC drawing around 14W.
Source: NotebookCheck
Arc G3 Extreme also appears to trade blows with larger Ryzen AI handhelds in some tests. The GPD Pocket 4 with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 still wins some CPU workloads, but the Claw 8 EX AI+ takes a clear lead in 3DMark GPU results. In some tests, howver, Arc G3 is even faster than Ryzen MAX+ 395:
Source: The Phawx
The main issue is the price. MSI lists the Claw 8 EX AI+ at $1,699-$1799 in the US. The system doesn’t even have lower memory spec option or OLED screen. Something that not yet available OneXplayer 3 is said to offer .
